Sanitizing Process for Exposing a Food Container to Multiple Sanitizing Agents Along a Circuitous Path

ABSTRACT

A method for sanitizing pre-measured units of a pre-sanitized flowable food product in a sanitizing device installed into an existing food production system without substantially increasing the head height requirement of the feed production system. A plurality of containers are moved about a path with increased retention time through a plurality of stations: a receiving station, one or more sanitizing stations, and a dispensing station, and a container cleaning station. A pre-measured unit measured for packaging is received at the receiving station into a container. The pre-measured unit is exposed to one or more sanitizing agents at one or more sanitizing stations. The pre-measured unit is immediately packaged after sanitization. The pre-measured unit is dispensed into a packaging device at the dispensing station. The containers are then cleaned at the container cleaning station to prepare each container to receive a subsequent pre-measured unit of the pre-sanitized flowable feed product.

CROSS REFERENCES

This application is a divisional of U.S. National Phase application Ser.No. 15/733,734, entitled “Sanitizing Package-Ready Pre-Quantified Unitsof Food”, and filed on 9 Oct. 2020, which is the National Stage ofPatent Cooperation Treaty Application No. PCT/US2019/027206, entitled“Sanitizing Package-Ready Pre-Quantified Units of Food”, and filed on 12Apr. 2019, which claims benefit of U.S. Provisional Application No.62/657,422, entitled “Continuous Food Sanitizing Process”, and filed on13 Apr. 2018.

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

The present disclosure relates to sanitizing pre-quantified units offood immediately prior to packaging.

BACKGROUND

Product recalls is one of the biggest concerns in the food and feedindustry. The presence of pathogens such as E. Coli, Salmonella, andListeria can result in factory shutdowns, product recalls, legalpenalties, and liability. Extrusion-based kill-steps are a validatedmethod ensuring the destruction of pathogenic microorganisms. Thesesanitizing steps provide a measured amount of reduction in the presenceof these pathogens, which is generally measured in “log reductions.”

However, after the initial extrusion-based sanitizing step, additionalprocessing and packaging can introduce new contaminants. Whetherintroduced from a worker or the environment, additional pathogensintroduced into the food or feed product after the initial sanitizingstep can also result in pathogen-infected foods or feed leaving thefacility.

SUMMARY

We disclose a sanitizing device that provides volumetric holding ofdiscrete, pre-weighed units of a flowable product in an enclosedenvironment. Existing food facilities suffer the problem ofenvironmental or user contamination of the food within the facility pastthe initial pathogen kill step. We eliminate the opportunity forsubsequent contamination by providing a sanitizing step immediatelyprior to the packaging step. The pre-quantified food resides within acontainer that travels along a path through one or more sanitizingstations. At a dispensing station, the re-sanitized contents of thecontainer as discharged directly into the packaging device.

Prior to packaging, the flowable food products may be weighed ormeasured for sale. We recognized that flowable products can bemaintained in these discrete pre-quantified units while being exposed tothe appropriate sanitizing agents immediately before packaging. Thecontainers maintain the quantity of the pre-quantified units so that thediscrete units are ready to be packaged upon discharge from thesanitizing device. This prevents opportunities for recontamination afterleaving the sanitizing device.

The sanitizing device is designed to be compatible with existing foodproduction facilities. It is often inconvenient and costly for afacility to raise its production equipment—such as extruders, conveyors,and other processing equipment—higher in the facility. We realized thatthe path could be configured to increase the residence time of theflowable product with the sanitizing agent without interfering withother components within the production facility. The path may extendhorizontally, maintaining the unit of the flowable food product insidethe path and being exposed to a sanitizing agent during the duration ofthe movement through the path. The container can then return adjacent tothe filling station to dispense the flowable food product into thepackaging device without requiring a substantial change to the design ofthe facility.

Pathogens can become resistant to sanitizing agents over time. Werecognized that one or more sanitizing stations could be disposed alongthe container's path to expose the flowable food product to a pluralityof sanitizing agents. The sanitizing agent introduced at each sanitizingstation is determined based on the food product to be sanitized. Thesanitizing agent may include heat, chemical, or irradiation. Two or moresanitizing agents may be simultaneously or sequentially introduced inorder to increase the efficacy of the individual sanitizing agents,minimize any deleterious affect on the food product, minimize theresidence time required for the food product in the sanitizing device,and to prevent resistant pathogens from developing within the system.

Some types of sanitizing agents are incompatible with the packagingmaterial. In order to expose the flowable food products to thesesanitizing agents, the pre-quantified units of flowable food productsare maintained in containers. These containers maintain the quantity ofthe pre-quantified units from the weighing device to the packagingdevice. Allowing the sanitizing agents to decrease the pathogen quantityof the food product immediately prior to packaging.

By maintaining the identity of discrete pre-quantified units of flowablefood products in identifiable containers, a control system can beprovided that measures desired properties of each unit of food. In thisway, individual bags can be selectively tracked or quarantined based onunit-specific measurements. For example, if a specific unit of theflowable feed did not meet specified moisture level reading, thatspecific container can be diverted to an alternate path forre-processing or disposal.

By using re-fillable containers, the container itself may be sterilizedat a container cleaning station. Separate sanitizing agents may beintroduced to the empty container to sterilize or sanitize the containerprior to being refilled with subsequent units of the flowable foodproduct.

It is understood that other embodiments will become readily apparent tothose skilled in the art from the following detailed description,wherein various embodiments are shown and described by way ofillustration only. As will be realized, the concepts are capable ofother and different embodiments and their several details are capable ofmodification in various other respects, all without departing from thespirit and scope of what is claimed as the invention. Accordingly, thedrawings and detailed description are to be regarded as illustrative innature and not as restrictive.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF DRAWINGS

Aspects are illustrated by way of example, and not by way of limitation,in the accompanying drawings, wherein:

FIG. 1 is a perspective drawing of a sanitizing device having a dragchain conveyor configured to move the containers through the stations.

FIG. 2 is a perspective drawing showing a top perspective view of a pathof a sanitizing device.

FIG. 3 is a perspective drawing showing a container on a path comprisinga plurality of concentric rings interconnected by bridges.

FIG. 4 is a perspective drawing the example of FIG. 3 showing aplurality of containers positioned along a path having a plurality ofconcentric rings interconnected by bridges and a drive mechanism.

FIG. 5 is a perspective drawing of the example of FIG. 3 showingsanitizing equipment attached to a housing along the path.

FIG. 6 is a perspective drawing showing a serpentine path having aplurality of stations along which a container may travel.

FIG. 7 is a perspective drawing of the embodiment of FIG. 6 showing aplurality of containers positioned along a serpentine path having aplurality of stations along which a container may travel.

FIG. 8 is a perspective drawing of the embodiment of FIG. 6 showingsanitizing equipment attached to a housing along the path.

FIG. 9 is a flow chart showing a method for successively sanitizingpre-quantified units of flowable food products.

FIG. 10 is a flow chart showing a method for successively sanitizingpre-quantified units of flowable food products.

FIG. 11 is a flow chart showing a food sanitizing process.

FIG. 12 is a flow chart showing a process for sanitizing a plurality ofunits of a flowable food product, pre-measured for packaging.

DESCRIPTION

As noted above, the problem of feed contamination between an initialkill step and the bagging step can be solved by providing a kill stepimmediately before bagging. The last step in feed processing prior tobagging is generally the weighing or volumetric filler. By inserting akill step after weighing or volumetric determination, any feed that wascontaminated during the feed processing will be safe for consumptionwhen packaged. The term feed means a flowable particulate and caninclude food for animals or humans. Feed may include beans, rice, petfood, pet treats, pop-corn, candy, or seeds or other similar particulatefood items. Particulate food items may be characterized by theirflowable nature.

As illustrated in FIG. 1 , the sanitizing device receives a unit of theparticulate feed into a filling hopper 211. The unit 110 of theparticulate animal feed flows into a container 100. The container 100maintains the unit 110 as a discrete unit ready for bagging, so that thequantity of the unit 110 delivered to the sanitizing device ismaintained through the sanitizing process, to be discharged at thedispensing station 250. In this way, the sanitizing device can beseamlessly inserted into the product flow in a feed processing facility,between the measuring station and the bagging station.

As illustrated in FIG. 1 , the unit 110 of particulate feed is receivedinto a container 100 at the filling station 210. A plurality ofcontainers 100A, 100B, 100C, 100D, 100E, and 100F are shown in FIG. 1 byrendering a portion of the housing 20 as transparent. The containers100A, 100B, and 100C are illustrated as empty. The containers 100D,100E, and 100F are illustrated as filled with a particulate feed. Thechain 420 is visible in the empty containers 100A, 100B, and 100C. FIG.1 shows a drag chain conveyor contained within a housing 20.

In the embodiment illustrated in FIG. 1 , the containers are defined bythe plurality of plugs 160 and the housing 20. For example, container100D is defined by a first plug 160A and a second plug 160B and theportion of the housing 20 that is adjacent to the container 100D at thecurrent point of the container's travel along the path 200. Theplurality of plugs 160 move with the chain 420. As each container 100moves through the housing 20, the portion of the housing 20 that isadjacent to the respective container changes. An inlet opening 212 inthe housing 20 is positioned at the filling station 210. When one of theplurality of containers 100 is positioned at the filling station 210,the inlet opening 212 allows a unit of the particulate feed to enter theinterior open space 150 of that container. The load carried between apair of plugs is the unit of the flowable product.

The plurality of containers 100 provide a sterile environment withresidency time sufficient to expose each unit 110 of the particulatefeed to one or more sanitizing agents to pasteurize the pre-quantifiedunit of the particulate feed. The containers 100 travel along the path200 to increase the residency time.

The plurality of containers 100 may be made of Teflon. Teflon is anindustry accepted sanitary material. Advantages to using Teflon include:good wear resistance, low friction, and does not absorb/hold fats,grease, or chemicals that would promote bacteria growth. In theillustrated embodiment, the plurality of plugs 160 may be made ofTeflon. Alternatively, the housing 20 may be made of stainless steel orother food grade material.

In another embodiment, the containers 100 are vertical cylinders. Asshown in FIG. 3 , the vertical cylinders have a sidewall 132 that iscurved. The vertical cylinders have a hollow center 136 configured toreceive the unit 110 of the particulate feed. The vertical cylinders mayhave a completely or partially open top to allow the particulate feedand the sanitizing agent to enter the containers 100. Similarly, thevertical cylinders may have a completely or partially open bottom toallow the particulate feed to exit the vertical cylinder under the forceof gravity. The vertical cylinders can be positioned on top of oradjacent to a conveyor or other drive mechanism.

Additionally, the sidewalls 132 may be perforated to allow a fluidsanitizing agent to enter the containers 100 through the sidewalls. Thesize of the individual perforations would be smaller than the size ofthe particulate feed. In another embodiment, the containers havesidewalls 132 that telescope to adjust the volume of the hollow center136. In this embodiment, the telescoping container has a larger portionand a smaller portion, where the smaller portion is insertable into thelarger portion.

In another embodiment, the plurality of containers 100 can compriseshapes other than cylindrical. For example, the shape of the pluralityof containers 120 can be conical or rectangular. The shape of thecontainers 100 can also be at least partially defined by the housing 20.As discussed above, a drag chain conveyor have plugs that correspond tothe shape of the housing can define a horizontal cylindrical container.

The containers 100 may be interconnected to one another. An example ofinterconnected containers is the horizontal cylinders that are connectedtogether with the drag chain. Alternatively, the containers 100 may beindependent and not connected to one another. An example of independentcontainers is a plurality of vertical cylinders that move about the path200 independent from one another. The vertical cylinders may beinterconnected through a framework, and the framework is connected tothe drive mechanism. Alternatively, the drive mechanism may individuallyengage each of the vertical containers.

One advantage to the use of volumetric containers after thequantification step is to maintain the quantity of the pre-quantifiedunit. The containers 100 prevent any increase or decrease in thequantity of a pre-quantified unit held within the container. Anotheradvantage provided by the containers 100 is an isolated sterileenvironment for sanitizing the particulate feed. The containers 100,made of a food grade material such as Teflon or stainless steel, can besterilized when empty. The containers 100 allow the pre-quantified unitof particulate feed to be isolated from further contamination byenclosing the feed unit from the environment of the facility. Anotheradvantage of using containers 100 is to introduce one or moresterilizing agents into the container to effectively reduce anypathogens in or on the particulate feed.

As illustrated in FIG. 1 , the drive mechanism 400 engages a drag chainconveyor 410 to move the containers 100 about the path 200. It is knownin the art to drive a drag chain conveyor 410 using a roller having asprockets to engage the chain, where the sprocket engage the chain 420between the plugs 160. Alternatively, and as illustrated in FIG. 4 , thedrive mechanism 400 comprises sprockets 445 connected to a drive shaft440. The sprockets are spaced apart to engage each container 100 to pushthe container along the path. In this way, the drive mechanism isconfigured to engage individual containers. The drive mechanism 400 maybe configured for intermittent movement or continuous movement of thecontainers 100. The drive mechanism may also be configured toselectively move a particular container along divergent path portionsbased on a property of the contents of the container. One advantage tousing a drag chain conveyor for a drive mechanism is the flexibility ofthe path links between sanitizing stations such that modular sanitizingstations can be adjustably positioned to accommodate components withinan existing facility. Another advantage to using a drag chain conveyorfor a drive mechanism is that the narrow design enables access formaintenance within the facility and minimizes obstructions to allowforklifts and other maintenance vehicles to operate in the facility.

In one embodiment, the sanitizing device comprises one or more detectiondevices to determine a property of the contents of the container. Thedetection device may generate one or more signals corresponding todetected properties of the contents of the container. For example, thedetection device could be a scale to determine the weight of thecontents of the container, a thermometer to determine the temperature ofthe contents of the container, or a near-infrared reflectancespectroscopy device for determining food quality. The detection devicecould be selected from those devices known in the industry to determinethe moisture content, density, fat content, protein content, amino acidcontent, oil content, carbohydrate content, allergens, color, pallitantcontent, ash content, total minerals content, selected minerals content,total vitamin content, or selected vitamin content. The detection devicemay be configured to measure the contents within the container or asample may be removed from the container. A control system is configuredto associate the measured property or properties of a particularcontainer. The control system can be configured to compare the measuredproperty with a standard control value. If the measured value of thecontents of a particular container do not conform with the desired rangeof the property, then the contents of that container can be diverted toa separate path, rather than discharging the contents of that containerinto the bagging device. By tracking specific units of product withinspecific containers, the control system can confirm appropriate productcharacteristics with measurements specific for individual packages.

The drive mechanism 400 may also be configured to time the movement ofthe containers with the discharge of the upstream weighing device. Forexample, a combination scale upstream of the sanitizing device maydispense up to one hundred pre-quantified units at a given weight perminute. The drive mechanism 400 is configured to synchronize themovement of the plurality of containers 100 such that an empty containeris positioned below the scale to receive each of the dispensedpre-quantified units. In this embodiment, the drive mechanism 400 isconfigured to move up to one hundred containers 100 through the fillingstation in one minute.

The drive mechanism 400 may also be configured to time the movement ofthe containers with the bagging device downstream of the sanitizingdevice. For example, the bagging device may be configured to bag at upto fifty bags per minute. The drive mechanism 400 may be configured tomatch the dispensing rate to the bagging device such that up to fiftycontainers 100 pass through the dispensing station 250 every minute.Alternatively, the path may be configured for a first dispensing stationat a first bagging device and a second dispensing station at a secondbagging device. In order to facilitate delivery to multiple baggingdevices, the path may diverge such that a first subset of the containersare directed to the first dispensing station located on a first sub-pathand a second subset of containers are directed to the second dispensingstation located on a second sub-path. Alternatively, the firstdispensing station may be inline on the same path as the seconddispensing station. In this configuration, the first dispensing stationhas a first discharge aperture that is selectively open to allow theparticulate from a first subset of containers to dispense at the firstdispensing station. And the second dispensing station has a seconddischarge aperture that is selectively open to allow the particulatefrom a second subset of the containers to dispense at the seconddispensing station.

In another embodiment, the drive mechanism 400 may comprise a conveyorbelt that directly engages the containers. The conveyor belt can be to ahorizontal side of the container, above the container, or below thecontainer. In one embodiment, the conveyor belt works in cooperationwith a rotating star turret, as shown in FIG. 4 .

As illustrated in FIG. 1 , the path 200 comprises a circuit with thedispensing station 250 adjacent to the filling station 210. The path 200incorporates an angle section 201, an incline section 202, and a clearsight section 203. The angle section 201 displayed in FIG. 1 is a 90°angle section, however the angle section can comprise a different anglein order to accommodate different paths requirements. For example, inorder to accommodate a specific facility setup, the path 200 mayincorporate multiple twists and turns.

The path may also incorporate an incline section 202, as shown in FIG. 1. A path 200 comprising the incline section 202 may provide an advantageby allowing the dispensing station 250 to be located at the same heightas the filling station 210. In this way, the scale device does not haveto be raised to accommodate the presence of the sanitizing device. Thereis often minimum extra head height available at a facility, and thelateral movement of equipment is much easier and less expensive tofacilitate compared with lifting equipment vertically higher.Additionally, incorporating an incline section 202 or a decline section(not shown) causes the particulate feed to shift within the container100. Moving the particulate feed within the container 100 causesdifferent surface areas of the particulate feed to be exposed. Somesanitizing agents, such as ozone, are more effective when directlyexposed to the surface of the particulate animal feed. The verticalmovement of the containers may increase the efficacy of such sanitizingagent.

In one embodiment, the path comprises multiple concentric rings, asshown in FIG. 3 . The arrows of FIG. 3 indicate the direction of flow ofthe containers as the receptacle follows the path 200. The containersmay be filled on the outer ring at the filling station 210. The fillinghopper 211 receives the pre-quantified unit of feed from the scale andacts as a transition piece to guide the unit through the inlet opening212 and into the container 100. While still in the outer ring 261, thecontainer enters a first sanitizing station 220 where a first sanitizingagent, such as radio frequency, is applied to the pre-quantified unit inthe container 100. In this way, the sanitizing occurs immediately uponintroduction to the receptacle and the retention time in a sanitizingcondition is increased. The container 100 follows the path 200 over afirst bridge 264 to enter the middle ring 262. Transfer of the containerfrom the outer ring 261 to the middle ring 262 can be accomplished witha driven wheel having a plurality of sprockets that direct the containerfrom the outer ring to the middle ring. The middle ring 262 comprises asecond sanitizing station 230 where a second sanitizing agent can beintroduced. For example, receptacle containing the measured quantity ofproduct can be exposed to Ozone by flooding ozone into the secondsanitizing station 230 with ozone injection portions disposed about themiddle ring 262. The ozone may be pre-chilled to cool the particulateanimal feed after being heated by the first sanitizing agent of thefirst sanitizing station. Alternatively, the ozone may be introduced atroom temperature, which may also facilitate the cooling process toremove any heat introduced during an earlier sanitizing step. The ozonemay be introduced as a liquid or as a gas. These containers woulddispense through the discharge aperture 252 at the dispensing station250 under the force of gravity and into the product bagging devicelocated below the sanitizing device. The empty containers cross thesecond bridge 265 to enter the inner ring 263 for sanitation of thecontainer 100 at the container cleansing station 260. Once the containeris cleaned, the container crosses the third bridge back out to the outerring 261 for subsequent filling and sanitizing cycles. In oneembodiment, the path comprises a plurality of concentric path portions,where the outer path portions at least partially surround one or moreinner path portions. The containers may move about the concentric pathportions in a contra-rotating manner, such that the container movesclockwise in a first path portion and counterclockwise in a second pathportion. For example, in FIG. 3 the arrows indicate the direction ofcontainer movement, the movement of the containers in the center pathportion is shown as clockwise and the movement of the containers in theinnermost and outermost path portions is shown as counterclockwise. Itis also contemplated that the bridge members and drive mechanism can beconfigured to facilitate co-rotation, where the containers move alongeach path portion in generally the same direction.

In another embodiment, the path 200 comprises a curvilinear route, anexample of which is shown in FIG. 4 . The containers 100 travel alongthe path 200 through a plurality of stations. The path 200 iscurvilinear and circuitous in order to increase retention time of theparticulate feed in the container to increase the exposure to thevarious sanitizing agents at the sanitizing stations. The path comprisesa filling station 210, a first sanitizing station 220, a secondsanitizing station 230, a third sanitizing station 240, a dispensingstation 250, and a container cleaning station 260. In one embodiment, adriven wheel having a plurality of sprockets can be disposed at each ofthe curves to propel the containers 100 along the path 200. In anotherembodiment, a linear conveyor belt having a plurality of cleat membersextending from the belt is disposed along the linear portions of thepath 200 to propel the containers 100. FIG. 5 depicts the embodimentshown in FIG. 4 with an external housing 501 intact. An RF transmitteris mounted to the external housing 501 along the path 200 at the firstsanitizing station 220. The RF transmitter comprises a first electrode522 mounted to a top portion of the external housing 501 and a secondelectrode 523 mounted to a bottom portion of the external housing 501.The first electrode 522 is mounted parallel to the second electrode 523.An RF power oscillator is connected to the parallel electrodes (notshown) to generate the desired frequency and power of radio frequencies.A plurality of UV light sources 510, 511, 512, 513, 514, and 515 areshown mounted to a top portion of the external housing 501 along thepath above the second sanitizing station 230.

FIG. 6 depicts a path 600 that is serpentine and has a plurality ofstations along which a container may travel, such as a filling station610, a first sanitizing station 620, a second sanitizing station 630, athird sanitizing station 640, a discharge station 650 with a dischargeaperture 652, and a container cleaning station 660. As shown in FIG. 7 ,a drive mechanism 670 comprises sprockets 672 connected to a drive shaft671. The sprockets 672 are spaced apart to engage each container 602 topush the container along the path 600. In this way, the drive mechanismis configured to engage individual containers. The drive mechanism 670may be configured for intermittent movement or continuous movement ofthe containers 602. The drive mechanism may also be configured toselectively move a particular container along divergent path portionsbased on a property of the contents of the container. As illustrated inFIG. 8 , path 600 may be partially enclosed by an external housing 601.The external housing 601 confines the sanitizing agents and may preventexternal contamination from entering the containers 602. The firstsanitizing station 620 is equipped with a plurality of inlet ports 642,643, 644, 645, and 646 which can be connected to an ozone supply tointroduce ozone gas into the external housing 601. One or more portsallow ozone gas to be flooded into the housing and enter the containerspassing through the first sanitizing station 620. A UV light source 613,614, 615, 616, 617, 618 mounted to a top portion of the external housing601 and along the path 600 through the second sanitizing station 630.The UV light source 613, 614, 615, 616, 617, 618 extends along the path600 to expose the particulate feed within the container 602 to the UVradiation. An RF transmitter is mounted to the external housing 601along the path 600 at the first sanitizing station 620. The RFtransmitter comprises a first electrode 622 mounted to a top portion ofthe external housing and a second electrode (not shown) mounted to abottom portion of the external housing. The first electrode 622 ismounted parallel to the second electrode. An RF power oscillator isconnected to the parallel electrodes (not shown) to generate the desiredfrequency and power of radio frequencies. The filling station 610comprise a filling hopper 611 and an inlet aperture in the top portionof the external housing 601.

In another embodiment, the first sanitizing station 220 overlaps withthe second sanitizing station 230. For example, the first sanitizingstation 220 exposes the particulate feed to UV light. The secondsanitizing station 230 exposes the particulate feed to Ozone gas. Theportion of the path of the first sanitizing station 220 may completelyor partially overlap the second sanitizing station 230 such that in aportion of the path the container filled with the particulate feed isexposed to both sanitizing agents.

In one embodiment, a vibratory feed tray is incorporated along the pathto spread the particulate feed out to single layer depth. The vibratoryfeed tray can be disposed at the filling station 210 or at a sanitizingstation. An advantage to incorporating a vibratory feed tray is thatsome sanitizing agents, such as UV and RF, are more effective withdirect contact with the exterior surface of the particulate feed.

As illustrated in FIG. 1 , one of the sanitizing stations may comprisean ultraviolet (UV) light source configured to transmit a sanitizingdose of UV radiation. In one embodiment, the UV light source emits UVlight having a wavelength between 100 to 400 nanometers. In anotherembodiment, the UV light source emits UV germicidal irradiation (UVGI),short wavelength UV-C with wavelengths of 200 nm-280 nm. In anotherembodiment, the UV light source emits UV light having wavelengths of250-270 nm. The UV treatment is quantified by the UV dose, where UV Doseis equal to UV Intensity (I) multiplied by the Exposure Time (t). The UVintensity (I) is determined by the equipment selected. The UV Dose willbe determined by the length of the UV light source and the intensity ofthe UV light in order to provide a sanitizing affect on the particulatefeed. The UV Dose may also be determined according to the type ofparticulate feed, including the moisture content.

The UV light source 310 may comprise a UV Low-Pressure lamp, a UVMedium-Pressure Lamps, or a UV amalgam Lamps such as those lamps thatare commercially available from Heraeus Noblelight, LightTech andLightSources. In one embodiment, the UV lamp is disposed within thehousing. The UV lamp extends along the path to expose the particulatefeed to the UV radiation. In one embodiment, the UV lamp is insertedinto the container containing the particulate feed. The UV lamp maytravel with the container. Alternatively, for use with an intermittentdrive mechanism, the UV lamp may be inserted into a momentarilystationary container.

The UV lamps may be surrounded by a quartz sleeve to prevent a lamp frombeing directly exposed to the feed and to protect the lamp from air andwater flow, breakage, leakage, temperature fluctuations, andenvironmental hazards. As UV lamp effectiveness is decreased whencovered in dust or debris, the sanitizing device may include means forcleaning the lamp or sleeve cleaning. This lamp or sleeve cleaning meanscould comprise a manual cleaning process or an automated cleaningmechanism for removing the dust from the lamp.

In another embodiment, the UV lamp operates in a low dust environment.For example, the housing may incorporate sight glass provided by FrescoSystems Pty Ltd. Direct at the sanitizing station that utilizes UVlight. The sight glass provides translucent in-line polycarbonateconveying tube providing up to a 360° full-view window through which UVlight may be transmitted without risk of dust accumulating on the lamp.Incorporating sight glass into portions of the housing also allows theoperator to observe material flow in pneumatic conveying lines. Inanother embodiments, the container sidewalls incorporate sidewalls thatallow the applicable UV radiation to pass through. Examples of suitablematerials include plastics which are suitable for use with food, such ascyclic olefin copolymer (COC) or Fluorinated Ethylene Propylene (FEP).Alternatively, the suitable housing material for use with a UVsanitizing station may include a glass or a glass wrapped in a food safeplastic.

In one embodiment, the environment within the housing is maintained atless than or equal to 70% relative humidity to increase UV efficacy. Theenvironment may be maintained by introducing conditioned air into thehousing, operating a dehumidifier, or other means known in the industry.In another embodiment, the UV lamp is maintained at operatingtemperature ranges between 77° F.-80° F. to increase efficacy of the UVtransmission.

In order to increase the amount of surface area of the particulate feedthat is exposed to the UV light, the particulate feed may be movedwithin the container. UV light is effective at sanitizing surfaces. Theparticulate feed may stack upon itself in the container in such a waythat portions of the particulate feed are hidden by other portions offeed, which may reduce the efficacy of the UV light. Additionally, thestacking of one particulate feed piece upon a second particulate feedpiece may prevent that contact area from being sanitized by the UVradiation by blocking sightlines. The container may be vibrated torearrange the particulate feed within the container, changing theorientation and stacking of particulate feed to increase surface areaexposed to the UV radiation. Alternatively, the path may incorporatefeatures that cause the particulate feed to be rearranged within thecontainer. For example, the path may incorporate rising sections andfalling sections to cause the feed to shift position within thecontainer while maintaining the quantity of the pre-quantified unitwithin the container. Alternatively, the path may incorporate ridgesthat vibrate the feed within the container as the container passes overthe ridges. Alternatively, the UV light source may be inserted into thecontainer at one or more sanitizing stations along the path.Alternatively, the UV light source can be embedded in the containers,such as by surrounding the lamps with Teflon, polycarbonate, plastic, orFEP to prevent breakage.

UV radiation may be effective at sanitizing the surface of theparticulate feed. This may be advantageous, as the initial kill step ina feed processing facility, such as by extrusion, can effectivelysanitize the product. As the particulate feed is processed in thefacility, the exterior surface of the particulate feed may come intocontact with pathogenic material—either through equipment contaminationor contamination from a worker. In either case, the pathogenic materialis likely applied to the exterior surface of the particulate feed. TheUV radiation is effective at treating this type of exterior surfacecontamination.

As illustrated in FIG. 1 , the first sanitizing station 220 includes aradio frequency (RF) transmitter. The RF transmitter generates RFwavelengths at a given frequency to sanitize the particulate feed in thecontainers passing through the first sanitizing station 220. Thenonionizing electromagnetic radiation is applied to the particulate feedto produce heat and sanitize the feed. The RF transmitter is displayedin FIG. 1 as first electrode 222 and a second electrode 223, where thefirst electrode is parallel to the second electrode. An RF poweroscillator is connected to the parallel electrodes to generate thedesired frequency and power of radio frequencies.

The RF frequency and power specifications will be determined based onthe product to be treated. In one example, Radio Frequency, Inc. hasshown that RF having 30 kW of output power at an operating frequency of40 MHz is sufficient to achieve a greater than 6 log reduction inalmonds for the pathogen SE PT30, which is particularly resistant to dryheat treatment.

The RF transmitter may emit longer wavelength, or lower frequency, toincrease penetration and decreases heating time. Lower frequency RFincreases penetration into the feed and may heat more uniformly throughthe material. In one embodiment, the RF transmitter emits at a frequencyof between 10 MHz to 50 MHz, in one embodiment the RF is generated at13.56 MHz, 27.12 MHz, or 40.68 MHz, frequencies approved by the FDA.

The electrode may be placed above and below the container, or on eitherhorizontal side as the container travels the path. The wavelength,shape, power, distance, and path length of the RF transmitter may beconfigured depending on the type of product being sanitized. In oneembodiment, the temperature of the surface of the particulate feed israised to 194° F. by the RF. In one embodiment of the method, thesanitized feed product is dispensed at an elevated temperature into thebagging station. The feed may be hot stacked to increase thepasteurization time. Alternatively, the sanitizing device mayincorporate a cooling station wherein the particulate feed is rapidlycooled within the container 100. In one embodiment, a cooling agent isintroduced into the sanitizing device. This cooling agent may also be asanitizing agent. For example, ozone may be introduced at or below theambient temperature and act as both a cooling agent and a sanitizingagent.

Incorporating an RF transmitter at a sanitizing station is advantageousfor quickly heating the surface of the feed particulate. Rapid heatingis beneficial, as strains of salmonella can become resistant to heatdamage when the temperature rises slowly. The RF transmitter increasesthe temperature of the feed product rapidly, reducing the opportunityfor a pathogen to develop resistance. Sanitizing with RF also offers theadvantage of being more consumer-friendly, as RF is a dielectric processand not ionizing.

The RF sanitizing station may overlap with the UV sanitizing station onthe path, such that the container is simultaneously exposed to RFtreatment and UV radiation.

As illustrated in FIF. 1, the third sanitizing station 240 is equippedwith a plurality of inlet ports 242A, 242B, 242C which can be connectedto an ozone supply to introduce ozone gas into housing 20. One or moreports allow ozone gas to be flooded into the housing and enter thecontainers passing through the third sanitizing station. Ozone gas iseffective as a pasteurizing agent. In one embodiment, Ozone gas ismaintained in the sanitizing station at between 3 part per million (ppm)to 8 ppm. In one embodiment, the ports are connected to a source ofaqueous ozone. The aqueous ozone may be applied with spray nozzles. Forexample spraying aqueous ozone at 2.7 ppm may be effective ineliminating E. Coli.

In one embodiment, containers have a porous wall to facilitate theintroduction of a fluid sanitizing agent—such as aqueous or gaseousozone—into the container. The ozone can be introduced under sufficientpressure to lift and move the particulate feed within the container. Inthis way, more of the surface area of the particulate feed is exposed tothe ozone. It may be advantageous to maintain the ozone sanitizingstation separate from the UV sanitizing station, to prevent the Ozonefrom reducing the efficacy of the UV radiation.

In another embodiment, a sanitation station may include an applicatorfor a fluid sanitizing agent such as Ethylene Oxide (EtO) or PropyleneOxide (PPO). The embodiment may comprise applicators—such as spraynozzles or atomizer heads—that are fluidly connected to a pressurizedsource of the fluid sanitizing agent. The fluid sanitizing agent may beintroduced at a temperature less than ambient temperature to assist incooling the particulate feed after a heat pasteurization step, such asthe RF sanitizing station.

In another embodiment, a sanitizing station comprises gamma radiation ore-beam radiation for pathogenic microorganism control. For gammairradiation, the does may range from between 5 to 50 kiloGrays (kGy), inanother embodiment the gamma irradiation dose ranges from 20 to 25 kGy,in another embodiment the gamma irradiation dose ranges from 25 to 35,in another embodiment the gamma irradiation dose ranges from 35 to 45kGy.

In existing facilities, the material is quantified, such as by weight,count, or volume, and then discharged into a bagging device—eitherdirectly or indirectly. In order to provide a pasteurization orsanitation step immediately prior to bagging, the sanitizing devicereceives the pre-quantified unit of particulate feed that wouldotherwise be received into the bagging device. The sanitizing devicemaintains the quantity of the pre-quantified unit with the container100. The pre-quantified unit is maintained as a discrete unit throughoutthe pasteurizing process at the various sanitizing stations. Thepre-quantified unit is dispensed at the dispensing station 250 into thebagging device after the passing through the various sanitizingstations. The container is then sterilized at the container cleaningstation 260. The empty and clean container returns to the fillingstation 210 to be refilled with another pre-quantified unit of theparticulate feed.

The particulate feed can be quantified using any standard quantificationdevice appropriate for the feed selected. For example, combination netweighers are commonly used for weighing or counting a wide range ofproducts including confectionary, bakery, pet food, pet treats, pasta,cereal, fresh produce, and snack foods. Combination weighers can deliverup to one hundred discharges per minute to the sanitizing device.Examples of a material fill source can a combination scale, such as a10-Head, 14-Head, or 20-Head Combination Scale from Parsons-Eagle.Alternatively, the material fill source can comprise a linear scale,such as a Parsons-Eagle LS, E, HE, or NW Series Linear Scale.Alternatively, a volumetric filler may be used.

The dispensing station may discharge into a packaging device, such as abagging system. As discussed above, the sanitizing device maintains thequantity of a pre-quantified unit of feed. Once the container reachesthe dispensing station 250, the contents of the container are dischargedunder the flow of gravity. In one embodiment, the unit flows under theforce of gravity directly to a bagging system, such as Thiele'sUltraStar bagging system. The timing of the discharge and bagging issynchronized between the bagging system and the rate of flow ofcontainer arriving at the dispensing station.

At the container cleaning station, the container 100 is cleaned toprepare to receive the next pre-quantified unit of particulate feed. Thecleaning may comprise a sterilization procedure, such as spraying a mistto prevent the build up or coating on the hollow center 136 of the emptycontainers. The container cleaning station may include the step ofspraying Acidified Calcium Sulfate (ACS), Ethylene Oxide (EtO),Propylene Oxide (PPO) onto the container 100. The empty container may beexposed to UV radiation to sterilize the container itself. The emptycontainer may be heated to a sufficient temperature to sterilize thecontainer. The empty container may be subject to irradiation. The emptycontainer may be subject to steam sterilization.

General Sterilization Procedure: Without Sterilization when Empty.

-   -   a. Step 1: A predetermined amount of a product enters a        self-contained section of the device along the path. This entry        point along the path is called the inlet.    -   b. Step 2: The self-contained section moves along the path to        Decontamination Region 1. The product inside the section is        exposed to one or more sterilization methods. The distance along        the path that Decontamination Region 1 encompasses is determined        by the residence time required to achieve the desired level of        decontamination.    -   c. Step 3: The self contained section proceeds along the path,        exiting Decontamination Region 1 and entering Decontamination        Region 2. The product inside the container is again exposed to        one or more sterilization methods. These methods can be the same        or different from those used in Step 2. The distance along the        path that Decontamination Region 2 encompasses is determined by        the residence time required to achieve the desired level of        decontamination.    -   d. Step 4: The self-contained section with predetermined amount        of product continues along the path passing through X number of        Decontamination Regions until the desired level of sterilization        is reached. The distance along the path that Decontamination        Region X encompasses is determined by the residence time        required to achieve the desired level of decontamination.    -   e. Step 5: When the product passes through X number of        Decontamination Regions the self-contained section continues to        move along the path and the predetermined amount of product        exits the self-contained section of the device. This exit point        along the path is called the discharge.    -   f. Step 6: The self-contained section of the device, now empty,        returns to the inlet at step 1.    -   g. Steps 1-6 repeat until the desired amount of product is        processed.

General Sterilization Procedure: With Sterilization when Empty

-   -   a. Step 1: Predetermined amounts of a product enter a        self-contained section of the device along the path. This entry        point along the path is called the inlet.    -   b. Step 2: The self-contained section moves along the path to        Decontamination Region 1. The product inside the section is        exposed to one or more sterilization methods. The distance along        the path that Decontamination Region 1 encompasses is determined        by the residence time required to achieve the desired level of        decontamination.    -   c. Step 3: The self contained section proceeds along the path,        exiting Decontamination Region 1 and entering Decontamination        Region 2. The product inside the container is again exposed to        one or more sterilization methods. These methods can be the same        or different from those used in Step 2. The distance along the        path that Decontamination Region 2 encompasses is determined by        the residence time required to achieve the desired level of        decontamination.    -   d. Step 4: The self-contained section with predetermined amount        of product continues along the path passing through X number of        Decontamination Regions until the desired level of sterilization        is reached. The distance along the path that Decontamination        Region 2 encompasses is determined by the residence time        required to achieve the desired level of decontamination.    -   e. Step 5: When the product passes through X number of        Decontamination Regions the self-contained section continues to        move along the path and the predetermined amount of product        exits the self-contained section of the device.    -   f. Step 6: The self-contained section of the device, now empty,        passes through Cleaning Region A, where one or more        sterilization methods is applied to the self-contained section        of the device. This exit point along the path is called the        discharge.    -   g. Step 7: The self-contained section of the device, now empty        and sterilized, returns to the inlet at step 1.    -   h. Steps 1-7 repeat until the desired amount of product is        processed.

One specific sterilization procedure example includes the steps asfollows:

-   -   a. Step 1: Predetermined amounts of a product enter a        self-contained section of the device along the path. This entry        point along the path is called the inlet.    -   b. Step 2: The self-contained section moves along the path to        Decontamination Region 1. The product inside the self-contained        section is exposed to Radio Frequency at 40.68 MHz. The distance        along the path that Decontamination Region 1 encompasses is        determined by the residence time required to achieve the desired        level of decontamination.    -   c. Step 3: The self contained section proceeds along the path,        exiting Decontamination Region 1 and entering Decontamination        Region 2. The product inside the self-contained section is        exposed UV type C light with wavelength of 250-270 nm. The        distance along the path that Decontamination Region 2        encompasses is determined by the residence time required to        achieve the desired level of decontamination.    -   d. Step 4: The self contained section proceeds along the path,        exiting Decontamination Region 2 and entering Decontamination        Region 3. The product inside the self-contained section is        exposed to ozone gas. The distance along the path that        Decontamination Region 3 encompasses is determined by the        residence time required to achieve the desired level of        decontamination.    -   e. Step 5: When the product passes through Decontamination        Region 3 the self-contained section continues to move along the        path and the predetermined amount of product exits the self        contained section of the device. This point exit along the path        is called the discharge.    -   f. Step 6: The self-contained section of the device, now empty,        passes through Cleaning Region 1, where one or more        sterilization methods are applied to the self- contained        section.    -   g. Step 7: The self-contained section of the device, now empty        and sterilized, returns to the inlet at step 1.    -   h. Steps 1-7 repeat until the desired amount of product is        processed.

One general aspect includes an automated pasteurization systemconfigured to perform particular operations or actions by virtue ofhaving software, firmware, hardware, or a combination of them installedon the system that in operation causes or cause the system to performthe following actions. One or more computer programs can be configuredto perform particular operations or actions by virtue of includinginstructions that, when executed by data processing apparatus, cause theapparatus to perform the actions. One general aspect includes acontinuous food pasteurizing process, the steps of the processincluding: receiving a first unit of a particulate animal feed directlyinto a first container at a filling station, the first unit beingdiscrete and pre-measured; moving the first unit in the first containeralong a path; exposing the first unit to a first sanitizing agent at afirst sanitizing station disposed along the path; dispensing the firstunit from the first container for subsequent packaging at a dispensingstation disposed along the path; and returning the first container tothe filling station for refilling with a second unit of the particulateanimal feed. Other embodiments of this aspect include correspondingcomputer systems, apparatus, and computer programs recorded on one ormore computer storage devices, each configured to perform the actions ofthe methods.

Implementations may include one or more of the following features. Theprocess further including: exposing the first container to a dischargeaperture dispense the first unit of the particulate animal feed underthe force of gravity. The process further including the steps of:flooding the first container with a fluid sanitizing agent at a secondsanitizing station disposed along the path. The process furtherincluding the steps of: admitting the fluid sanitizing agent into thefirst container through a plurality of perforations in a wall of thefirst container. The process where the fluid sanitizing agent includesozone gas. The process further including the step of: providing anultraviolet light source to generate an ultraviolet radiation as thefirst sanitizing agent. The process further including the step of:admitting the ultraviolet radiation into the first container through awall of the first container. The process further including the step of:positioning the first container at the filling station prior to the stepof receiving the first unit of the particulate animal feed, where thefirst container includes an open space between a first plug and a secondplug of a drag chain conveyor. Implementations of the describedtechniques may include hardware, a method or process, or computersoftware on a computer-accessible medium.

One general aspect includes a sanitizing device for sanitizing aquantified unit of a free flowing particulate feed, the sanitizingdevice including: a housing having an inlet opening and a dischargeopening; a plurality of containers disposed within the housing; a drivenmechanism operably connected to the plurality of containers to move theplurality of containers along a path; a receiving station disposed alongthe path, the receiving station configured to receive the quantifiedunit of the free flowing particulate feed into a first container of theplurality of containers through the inlet opening in the housing; adispensing station disposed along the path, the dispensing stationconfigured to dispense the quantified unit of the free flowingparticulate feed through the discharge opening in the housing; a firstsanitation station disposed along the path between the receiving stationand the dispensing station; and where the plurality of containers areconfigured to contain the. Other embodiments of this aspect includecorresponding computer systems, apparatus, and computer programsrecorded on one or more computer storage devices, each configured toperform the actions of the methods.

Implementations may include one or more of the following features. Thesanitizing device where each of the plurality of containers includes acylindrical shape. The sanitizing device where each of the plurality ofcontainers has a sidewall that is perforated. The sanitizing devicewhere the plurality of containers include a sidewall defined by thehousing. The sanitizing device where: the drive mechanism includes achain conveyor; and the plurality of containers each include a firstplug. The multi-station may also include a second plug. Themulti-station may also include where each of the first plug and thesecond plug have a shape that corresponds to an interior passageway ofthe housing. The sanitizing device further including: where the drivemechanism includes a belt conveyor; and the plurality of containers eachinclude: The sanitizing device may also include a container having acylindrical body with a hollow center. The sanitizing device may alsoinclude a bottom portion defined by the housing. The sanitizing devicewhere the first sanitation station includes a radio frequencytransmitter. The sanitizing device where the first sanitizing stationincludes: means for dispensing a first sanitizing agent; and where thefirst sanitizing agent is selected from the group including of: Thesanitizing device may also include ozone gas, microwave radiation,acidification agents, and ultraviolet light. The sanitizing device wherethe receiving station is adjacent to the dispensing station. Thesanitizing device where the drive mechanism is configured forintermittent motion. The sanitizing device where a second sanitizingstation includes an ultraviolet light source disposed along the path.The sanitizing device including a means for flooding the first containerwith ozone gas. Implementations of the described techniques may includehardware, a method or process, or computer software on acomputer-accessible medium.

One general aspect includes a method for reducing E. coli and Salmonellaof successive pre-measured units of a particulate animal feed withoutsubstantially increasing the head height requirement of a feedproduction system, the method including: moving a plurality ofcontainers about a path within a housing, the path including a receivingstation, a sanitizing station, and a dispensing station, where thereceiving station is adjacent to the dispensing station; receiving apre-measured unit of the particulate animal feed at the receivingstation into the plurality of containers; exposing the pre-measured unitof the particulate animal feed to two or more sanitizing agents at thesanitizing station; dispensing the pre-measured unit of the particulateanimal feed at the dispensing station; repeating the steps of receiving,exposing, and dispensing for successive pre-measured units of theparticulate animal feed. Other embodiments of this aspect includecorresponding computer systems, apparatus, and computer programsrecorded on one or more computer storage devices, each configured toperform the actions of the methods.

FIG. 9 is a flow chart showing a method 900 for successively sanitizingpre-quantified units of flowable food products. Method 900 comprisespositioning a first container at the filling station, wherein the firstcontainer comprises an open space between a first plug and a second plugof a drag chain conveyor, according to step 902. According to step 904,a first unit of a flowable food product is received directly into thefirst container at a filling station, the first unit being discrete andpre-measured. According to step 906, the first unit in the firstcontainer is moved along a path. According to step 908, an ultravioletlight source is provided to generate an ultraviolet radiation as thefirst sanitizing agent. According to step 910, the first unit is exposedto the first sanitizing agent at a first sanitizing station disposedalong the path. According to step 912, the ultraviolet radiation isadmitted into the first container through a wall of the first container.According to 914, the first container is flooded with a fluid sanitizingagent at a second sanitizing station disposed along the path. Accordingto step 916, the fluid sanitizing agent is admitted into the firstcontainer through a plurality of perforations in a wall of the firstcontainer. According to step 918, the first container is exposed to adischarge aperture to dispense the first unit of the flowable foodproduct under the force of gravity. According to step 920, the firstunit is dispensed from the first container for subsequent packaging at adispensing station disposed along the path.

FIG. 10 shows a process 1000 for successively sanitizing pre-quantifiedunits of flowable food products. According to step 1002, a plurality ofcontainers are moved about a path within a housing, the path comprisinga receiving station, a sanitizing station, and a dispensing station,wherein the receiving station is adjacent to the dispensing stations.According to step 1004, a pre-measured unit of the flowable food productis received at the receiving station into a first container. Accordingto step 1006, the pre-measured unit of the flowable food product isexposed to two or more sanitizing agents at the sanitizing station.According to step 1008, the pre-measured unit of the flowable foodproduct is dispensed from the first container at the dispensing station.According to step 1010, the steps of receiving, exposing, and dispensingare repeated for successive pre-measured units of the flowable foodproduct within the first container.

FIG. 11 shows process 1100 depicted as a flow chart for a foodsanitizing process. According to step 1102, a first unit of a flowablefood product is received directly into a first container at a fillingstation, the first unit being a discrete quantity measured forpackaging. According to step 1104, the first unit in the first containeris circuited along a path. According to step 1106, the first unit isexposed to a first sanitizing agent at a first sanitizing stationdisposed along the path. According to step 1108, the first unit isdispensed from the first container at a dispensing station disposedalong the path. According to step 1110, the first container is returnedto the filling station for refilling with a second unit of the flowablefood product. Optionally, process 1100 may also include the step ofexposing the first container to a discharge aperture to dispense thefirst unit of the flowable food product under the force of gravity atthe dispensing station. Optionally, process 1100 may also include thestep of flooding the first container with a fluid sanitizing agent at asecond sanitizing station disposed along the path. Optionally, process1100 may also include the step of admitting the fluid sanitizing agentinto the first container through a plurality of perforations in a wallof the first container, wherein the wall extends vertically between atop portion and a bottom portion of a housing. Optionally, the fluidsanitizing agent of process 1110 comprises ozone gas. Optionally,process 1100 may also include the step of providing an ultraviolet lightsource mounted to a housing and along the path to generate anultraviolet radiation as the first sanitizing agent. Optionally, process1100 may also include the step of admitting the ultraviolet radiationinto the first container through a wall of the first container.Optionally, process 1100 may also include the step of positioning thefirst container at the filling station prior to the step of receivingthe first unit of the flowable food product, wherein the first containercomprises an open space between a first plug and a second plug of a dragchain conveyor.

FIG. 12 shows process 1200 depicted as a flow chart for sanitizing aplurality of units of a flowable food product, pre-measured forpackaging. According to step 1202, a first unit of the plurality ofunits of the flowable food product is received at the receiving stationinto a first container. According to step 1204, the first unit of theflowable food product is sanitized with a sanitizing agent at thesanitizing station. According to step 1206, the first unit of theflowable food product is dispensed from the first container at thedispensing station. According to step 1208, the steps of receiving,exposing, and dispensing are repeated for a second unit of the flowablefood product within the first container.

It is understood that other embodiments will become readily apparent tothose skilled in the art from the following detailed description,wherein various embodiments are shown and described by way ofillustration only. As will be realized, the concepts are capable ofother and different embodiments and their several details are capable ofmodification in various other respects, all without departing from thespirit and scope of what is claimed as the invention. Accordingly, thedrawings and detailed description are to be regarded as illustrative innature and not as restrictive.

What is claimed is:
 1. A sanitizing process comprising the steps of: a.sanitizing a flowable food product; b. dividing the flowable foodproduct into a first unit that is measured for packaging; c. receivingthe first unit into a sanitizing device at a receiving station; d.moving the first unit along a circuitous path within the sanitizingdevice; e. exposing the first unit to a plurality of sanitizing agentsdisposed along the circuitous path; and f. dispensing the first unit ata dispensing station disposed along the circuitous path.
 2. Thesanitizing process of claim 1, further comprising: a. containing thefirst unit within a first container within the sanitizing device; and b.returning the first container to the receiving station to be refilledwith a second unit of the flowable food product.
 3. The sanitizingprocess of claim 1, further comprising the steps of: a. flooding a firstcontainer containing the first unit with a fluid sanitizing agent at afirst sanitizing station along the circuitous path.
 4. The sanitizingprocess of claim 3, wherein the fluid sanitizing agent comprises ozonegas.
 5. The sanitizing process of claim 3, further comprising the stepof: a. exposing the first unit to ultraviolet light at a secondsanitizing station along the circuitous path.
 6. The sanitizing processof claim 5, further comprising the step of: a. admitting ultravioletlight into the first container through a wall of the first container. 7.The sanitizing process of claim 1, wherein the dispensing station isdisposed at the same vertical height as the receiving station.
 8. Thesanitizing process of claim 1, further comprising the step of: a.installing the sanitizing device to an existing food processing systemwithout increasing the head height of the existing food processingsystem, wherein the sanitizing device is positioned between (1) a firstdevice that divides the flowable food product into a plurality of unitsthat are measured for packaging and (2) a second device that packagesthe first unit.
 9. A sanitizing process comprising the steps of: a.receiving a first unit of a pre-sanitized flowable food product that ismeasured for packaging into a sanitizing device; and b. increasing aretention time of the first unit within the sanitizing device by movinga plurality of containers in a circuitous path within the sanitizingdevice between a receiving station and a dispensing station adjacent toand downstream from the receiving station.
 10. The sanitizing process ofclaim 9 further comprising the step of: a. maintaining the first unit asa discrete unit between the receiving station and the dispensingstation.
 11. The sanitizing process of claim 10 further comprising thestep of: a. sanitizing the first unit with a plurality of sanitizingagents within the sanitizing device during the retention time.
 12. Thesanitizing process of claim 11, further comprising the step of: a.repeating the steps of receiving, maintaining, and sanitizing for asecond unit of the pre-sanitized flowable food product within a firstcontainer, which is the first container that contained the first unit.13. The sanitizing process of claim 9, wherein the circuitous path isprimarily horizontal.
 14. The sanitizing process of claim 9 furthercomprising the step of: a. dispensing the first unit at approximatelythe same vertical height as the first unit is received into thesanitizing device.
 15. The sanitizing process of claim 9 furthercomprising the steps of: a. moving the first unit vertically within thesanitizing device; and b. returning the first unit to the verticalheight of the receiving station upon entering the dispensing station.16. The sanitizing process of claim 9, further comprising the step of:a. installing the sanitizing device to an existing food processingsystem without increasing the head height of the existing foodprocessing system, wherein the sanitizing device is positioned between(1) a first device for dividing the pre-sanitized flowable food productinto a plurality of units that are measured for packaging and (2) asecond device for packaging.
 17. A sanitizing process comprising thesteps of: a. moving a first container in a circuitous path within asanitizing device between a receiving station and a dispensing station;b. flooding the first container with a fluid sanitizing agent at a firstsanitizing station along the circuitous path; c. exposing the firstcontainer to ultraviolet light at a second sanitizing station along thecircuitous path; and d. returning the first container to the dispensingstation disposed at the same vertical height as the receiving station.18. The sanitizing process of claim 17 further comprising the step of:a. pre-sanitizing a flowable food product; b. dividing the flowable foodproduct into a first unit that is measured for packaging; and c.receiving the first unit into the first container within the sanitizingdevice.
 19. The sanitizing process of claim 18, wherein the dispensingstation is adjacent to and downstream from the receiving station. 20.The sanitizing process of claim 17, further comprising: a. installingthe sanitizing device to an existing food processing system withoutincreasing the head height of the existing food processing system,wherein the sanitizing device is positioned between (1) a first devicefor dividing a flowable food product into a first unit that is measuredfor packaging and (2) a second device for packaging.